Goal: Applaud the mayor for leading TransMilenio’s sustainable bus rapid transit system in Bogota, Colombia

Colombia’s capital city, Bogota, has massively reduced carbon dioxide emissions with a new bus rapid transit system. The Center for Clean Air Policy reported that the system will help Bogota cut transportation-related emissions by almost 2 million tons of carbon dioxide. This project, started in 2000, has cleaned the city’s air and fostered a sense of space where citizens can depend on public transport to reduce their reliance on personal transportation like cars. Show your appreciation for this great feat by the local government.

Before the system was implemented, pollution was dangerously high during peak transit hours, accident rates were high, and antisocial behavior was commonly related to inefficient bus systems. Transforming the old bus system over the last decade was a huge accomplishment for the developing city and is a sustainable model for the rest of the country.

First came a traffic etiquette campaign, which led to a shift in attitudes about public transit. Then came an effort to reduce traffic congestion through restrictions on automobile use, education about benefits of public transit, and the first stage of implementation of the rapid transit system. Since 2000, this system has grown and become an efficient choice for Colombians living in the capital city.

Daily ridership on the bus system in 2011 was almost 2 million, or 25 percent of the population. This means that 25 percent of the population does not rely on private vehicles. Clearing the roads of those cars has led to the notable reductions in carbon dioxide emissions as well as an increase of civic connection to the city. Applaud the Bogota local government for their sustainable achievements.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Mayor Urrego,

The bus rapid transit system in Bogota has decreased carbon dioxide emissions by almost 2 million tons. This is a feat that you and the preceding mayors should be applauded for.

Reducing emissions as well as fostering a sense of community through this public transportation system has led to Bogota becoming globally recognized as a sustainable developing city. Daily ridership of buses has grown leading to the decrease in dependence on private transportation. The success of this project in a developing country like Colombia is empowering to the rest of the world to become more sustainable.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: nanjira.com

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